Thiazol-(bi)cycloalkyl-carboxanilides

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to novel thiazole(bi)cycloalkylcarboxanilides of the formula (I) 
     
       
         
         
             
             
         
       
         
         
           
             in which Q and R 1  are as defined in the disclosure, to a process for preparing these compounds and to their use for controlling unwanted microorganisms.

The present patent application has been filed under 35 U.S.C. 371 as a national stage application of PCT/EP2003/011392, filed Oct. 15, 2003, which was published in German as International Patent Publication WO 2004/039789 on Mar. 13, 2004, and is entitled to the right of priority of German Patent Application 102 50 110.6, filed Oct. 28, 2002.

The present invention relates to novel thiazole(bi)cycloalkylcarboxanilides, to a plurality of processes for their preparation and to their use for controlling unwanted microorganisms.

It is already known that numerous thiazole(bi)cycloalkylcarboxanilides have fungicidal properties (cf., for example, WO 02/059086, EP-A 0 591 699, EP-A 0 589 301, EP-A 0 545 099, EP-A 0 315 502 and EP-A 0 276 177). Thus, for example, the following thiazole(bi)cycloalkylcarboxanilides are already known: 2-amino-N-(2-cyclohexylphenyl)-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1,3-thiazole-5-carboxamide and 2-amino-N-(2-cyclopentylphenyl)-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1,3-thiazole-5-carboxamide from EP-A 0 589 301, N-(2-cyclohexylphenyl)-2-methyl-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1,3-thiazole-5-carboxamide and N-(2-cyclopentylphenyl)-2-methyl-4-(trifluoromethyl)-1,3-thiazole-5-carboxamide from EP-A 0 545 099, 2-methyl-4-(trifluoromethyl)-N-(1,1,3-trimethyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-4-yl)-1,3-thiazole-5-carboxamide from EP-A 0 276 177 and 2-methyl-4-(trifluoromethyl)-N-(1,1,3-trimethyl-1,3-dihydro-2-benzofuran-4-yl)-1,3-thiazole-5-carboxamide from EP-A 0 315 502. The activity of these compounds is good; however, in some cases, for example at low application rates, it is unsatisfactory.

This invention now provides novel thiazole(bi)cycloalkylcarboxanilides of the formula (I)

in which

-   Q represents a group

-   R¹ represents hydrogen, C₁-C₈-alkyl, C₁-C₆-alkylsulfinyl,     C₁-C₆-alkylsulfonyl, C₁-C₄-alkoxy-C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₃-C₈-cycloalkyl;     C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkylsulfanyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkylsulfinyl,     C₁-C₄-haloalkylsulfonyl, halo-C₁-C₄-alkoxy-C₁-C₄-alkyl,     C₃-C₈-halocycloalkyl having in each case 1 to 9 fluorine, chlorine     and/or bromine atoms; —COR⁷, —CONR⁸R⁹ or —CH₂NR¹⁰R¹¹, -   R² represents C₃-C₁₂-cycloalkyl, C₃-C₁₂-cycloalkenyl,     C₆-C₁₂-bicycloalkyl or C₆-C₁₂-bicycloalkenyl, each of which is     optionally mono- or polysubstituted by identical or different     substituents from the group consisting of halogen, cyano, hydroxyl,     C₁-C₈-alkyl, C₁-C₈-alkoxy, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy having     in each case 1 to 9 fluorine, chlorine and/or bromine atoms, -   R³ represents fluorine, chlorine, bromine or methyl, -   m represents 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, -   A represents O (oxygen) or CR¹², -   R⁴, R⁵, R⁶ and R¹² independently of one another represent hydrogen,     methyl or ethyl, -   R⁷ represents hydrogen, C₁-C₈-alkyl, C₁-C₈-alkoxy,     C₁-C₄-alkoxy-C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₃-C₈-cycloalkyl; C₁-C₆-haloalkyl,     C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy, halo-C₁-C₄-alkoxy-C₁-C₄-alkyl,     C₃-C₈-halocycloalkyl having in each case 1 to 9 fluorine, chlorine     and/or bromine atoms or     4-(difluoromethyl)-2-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl, -   R⁸ and R⁹ independently of one another represent hydrogen,     C₁-C₈-alkyl, C₁-C₄-alkoxy-C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₃-C₈-cycloalkyl;     C₁-C₈-haloalkyl, halo-C₁-C₄-alkoxy-C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₃-C₈-halocycloalkyl     having in each case 1 to 9 fluorine, chlorine and/or bromine atoms, -   R⁸ and R⁹ furthermore together with the nitrogen atom to which they     are attached form a saturated heterocycle which is optionally mono-     or polysubstituted by identical or different substituents from the     group consisting of halogen and C₁-C₄-alkyl and which has 5 to 8     ring atoms, where the heterocycle may contain 1 or 2 further     nonadjacent heteroatoms from the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur     and NR¹³, -   R¹⁰ and R¹¹ independently of one another represent hydrogen,     C₁-C₈-alkyl, C₃-C₈-cycloalkyl; C₁-C₈-haloalkyl, C₃-C₈-halocycloalkyl     having in each case 1 to 9 fluorine, chlorine and/or bromine atoms, -   R¹⁰ and R¹¹ furthermore together with the nitrogen atom to which     they are attached form a saturated heterocycle which is optionally     mono- or polysubstituted by identical or different substituents from     the group consisting of halogen and C₁-C₄-alkyl and which has 5 to 8     ring atoms, where the heterocycle may contain 1 or 2 further     nonadjacent heteroatoms from the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur     and NR¹³, -   R¹³ represents hydrogen or C₁-C₆-alkyl.

Furthermore, it has been found that thiazole(bi)cycloalkylcarboxanilides of the formula (I) are obtained when

A) carboxylic acid derivatives of the formula (II)

-   -   in which     -   G represents halogen, hydroxyl or C₁-C₆-alkoxy,     -   are, in a first step, reacted with aniline derivatives of the         formula (III)         H₂N-Q  (III)     -   in which     -   Q is as defined above     -   in the presence of an acid binder and in the presence of a         diluent     -   and the resulting products of the formula (I-a)

-   -   in which     -   Q is as defined above     -   are, if appropriate, reacted in a second step with a halide of         the formula (III)         R¹⁻¹—X  (IV)     -   in which     -   R¹⁻¹ represents C₁-C₈-alkyl, C₁-C₆-alkylsulfinyl,         C₁-C₆-alkylsulfonyl, C₁-C₄-alkoxy-C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₃-C₈-cycloalkyl;         C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkylsulfanyl,         C₁-C₄-haloalkylsulfinyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkylsulfonyl,         halo-C₁-C₄-alkoxy-C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₃-C₈-halocycloalkyl having in         each case 1 to 9 fluorine, chlorine and/or bromine atoms; —COR⁷,         —CONR⁸R⁹ or —CH₂NR¹⁰R¹¹,     -   R⁷, R⁸, R⁹, R¹⁰ and R¹¹ are as defined above and     -   X represents chlorine, bromine or iodine,     -   in the presence of a base and in the presence of a diluent.

Finally, it has been found that the novel thiazole(bi)cycloalkylcarboxanilides of the formula (I) have very good microbicidal properties and can be used for controlling unwanted micro-organisms both in crop protection and in the protection of materials.

Surprisingly, the thiazole(bi)cycloalkylcarboxanilides of the formula (I) according to the invention have considerably better fungicidal activity than the constitutionally most similar active compounds of the prior art having the same direction of action.

The formula (I) provides a general definition of the thiazole(bi)cycloalkylcarboxanilides according to the invention. Preferred substituents or ranges of the radicals listed in the formulae mentioned above and below are illustrated below.

-   R¹ preferably represents hydrogen; C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₄-alkylsulfinyl,     C₁-C₄-alkylsulfonyl, C₁-C₃-alkoxy-C₁-C₃-alkyl, C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl;     C₁-C₄-haloalkyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkylsulfanyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkylsulfinyl,     C₁-C₄-haloalkylsulfonyl, halo-C₁-C₃-alkoxy-C₁-C₃-alkyl,     C₃-C₆-halocycloalkyl having in each case 1 to 9 fluorine, chlorine     and/or bromine atoms; —COR⁷, —CONR⁸R⁹ or —CH₂NR¹⁰R¹¹. -   R¹ particularly preferably represents hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, n- or     isopropyl, n-, iso-, sec- or tert-butyl, pentyl or hexyl,     methylsulfinyl, ethylsulfinyl, n- or isopropylsulfinyl, n-, iso-,     sec- or tert-butylsulfinyl, methylsulfonyl, ethylsulfonyl, n- or     isopropylsulfonyl, n-, iso-, sec- or tert-butylsulfonyl,     methoxymethyl, methoxyethyl, ethoxymethyl, ethoxyethyl, cyclopropyl,     cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, trifluoromethyl, trichloromethyl,     trifluoroethyl, difluoromethylsulfanyl,     difluorochloromethylsulfanyl, trifluoromethylsulfanyl,     trifluoromethylsulfinyl, trifluoromethylsulfonyl,     trifluoromethoxymethyl; —COR⁷, —CONR⁸R⁹ or —CH₂NR¹⁰R¹¹. -   R¹ very particularly preferably represents hydrogen; methyl,     methoxymethyl or —COR⁷. -   R² preferably represents C₃-C₁₂-cycloalkyl, C₃-C₁₂-cycloalkyl,     C₃-C₁₂-cycloalkenyl, C₆-C₁₂-bicycloalkyl or C₆-C₁₂-bicycloalkenyl,     each of which is optionally mono- to tetrasubstituted by identical     or different substituents from the group consisting of fluorine,     chlorine, bromine, cyano, hydroxyl, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy,     C₁-C₄-haloalkyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkoxy having in each case 1 to 9     fluorine, chlorine and/or bromine atoms. -   R² particularly preferably represents C₃-C₁₀-cycloalkyl,     C₃-C₁₀-cycloalkenyl, C₆-C₁₀-bicycloalkyl or C₆-C₁₀-bicycloalkenyl,     each of which is optionally mono- to trisubstituted by identical or     different substituents from the group consisting of fluorine,     chlorine, bromine, cyano, hydroxyl, methyl, ethyl, n- or isopropyl,     n-, iso-, sec- or tert-butyl, methoxy, ethoxy, n- or isopropoxy, n-,     iso-, sec- or tert-butoxy, trifluoromethyl, difluoromethyl,     trichloromethyl, difluorochloromethyl, trifluoromethoxy,     difluoromethoxy, trichloromethoxy, difluorochloromethoxy. -   R² very particularly preferably represents cyclopropyl, cyclopentyl,     cyclohexyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, cyclooctyl,     cyclohexenyl, cycloheptenyl, cyclooctenyl, bicyclo[4.1.0]heptyl,     bicyclo[2.2.1]heptyl, each of which is mono- to trisubstituted by     identical or different substituents from the group consisting of     fluorine, chlorine, bromine, methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, tert-butyl,     methoxy, ethoxy, isopropoxy, tert-butoxy, trifluoromethyl,     trifluoromethoxy. -   R³ preferably represents fluorine, bromine or methyl. -   R³ particularly preferably represents fluorine or methyl. -   m preferably represents 0, 1, 2 or 3. -   m particularly preferably represents 0, 1 or 2. -   A preferably represents O (oxygen). -   A preferably represents CR¹². -   R⁴ preferably represents methyl or ethyl. -   R⁴ particularly preferably represents methyl. -   R⁵ and R⁶ preferably each represent methyl. -   R⁷ preferably represents hydrogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₄-alkoxy,     C₁-C₃-alkoxy-C₁-C₃-alkyl, C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl; C₁-C₄-haloalkyl,     C₁-C₄-haloalkoxy, halo-C₁-C₃-alkoxy-C₁-C₃-alkyl,     C₃-C₆-halocycloalkyl having in each case 1 to 9 fluorine, chlorine     and/or bromine atoms or     4-(difluoromethyl)-2-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl. -   R⁷ particularly preferably represents hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, n- or     isopropyl, tert-butyl, methoxy, ethoxy, tert-butoxy, cyclopropyl;     trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy or     4-(difluoromethyl)-2-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl. -   R⁷ very particularly preferably represents hydrogen or     4-(difluoromethyl)-2-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl. -   R⁸ and R⁹ independently of one another preferably represent     hydrogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₃-alkoxy-C₁-C₃-alkyl, C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl;     C₁-C₄-haloalkyl, halo-C₁-C₃-alkoxy-C₁-C₃-alkyl, C₃-C₆-halocycloalkyl     having in each case 1 to 9 fluorine, chlorine and/or bromine atoms. -   R⁸ and R⁹ furthermore together with the nitrogen atom to which they     are attached preferably form a saturated heterocycle which is     optionally mono- to tetrasubstituted by identical or different     substituents from the group consisting of halogen and C₁-C₄-alkyl     and which has 5 to 8 ring atoms, where the heterocycle may contain 1     or 2 further nonadjacent heteroatoms from the group consisting of     oxygen, sulfur and NR¹³. -   R⁸ and R⁹ independently of one another particularly preferably     represent hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, n- or isopropyl, n-, iso-, sec-     or tert-butyl, methoxymethyl, methoxyethyl, ethoxymethyl,     ethoxyethyl, cyclopropyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl; trifluoromethyl,     trichloromethyl, trifluoroethyl, trifluoromethoxymethyl. -   R⁸ and R⁹ furthermore together with the nitrogen atom to which they     are attached particularly preferably form a saturated heterocycle     from the group consisting of morpholine, thiomorpholine and     piperazine which is optionally mono- to tetrasubstituted by     identical or different substituents from the group consisting of     fluorine, chlorine, bromine and methyl, where the piperazine may be     substituted on the second nitrogen atom by R¹³. -   R¹⁰ and R¹¹ independently of one another preferably represent     hydrogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl; C₁-C₄-haloalkyl,     C₃-C₆-halocycloalkyl having in each case 1 to 9 fluorine, chlorine     and/or bromine atoms. -   R¹⁰ and R¹¹ furthermore together with the nitrogen atom to which     they are attached preferably form a saturated heterocycle which is     optionally mono- or polysubstituted by identical or different     substituents from the group consisting of halogen and C₁-C₄-alkyl     and which has 5 to 8 ring atoms, where the heterocycle may contain 1     or 2 further nonadjacent heteroatoms from the group consisting of     oxygen, sulfur and NR¹³. -   R¹⁰ and R¹¹ independently of one another particularly preferably     represent hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, n- or isopropyl, n-, iso-, sec-     or tert-butyl, methoxymethyl, methoxyethyl, ethoxymethyl,     ethoxyethyl, cyclopropyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl; trifluoromethyl,     trichloromethyl, trifluoroethyl, trifluoromethoxymethyl. -   R¹⁰ and R¹¹ furthermore together with the nitrogen atom to which     they are attached particularly preferably form a saturated     heterocycle from the group consisting of morpholine, thiomorpholine     and piperazine which is optionally mono- to tetrasubstituted by     identical or different substituents from the group consisting of     fluorine, chlorine, bromine and methyl, where the piperazine may be     substituted on the second nitrogen atom by R¹³. -   R¹² preferably represents hydrogen or methyl. -   R¹² particularly preferably represents hydrogen. -   R¹³ preferably represents hydrogen or C₁-C₄-alkyl. -   R¹³ particularly preferably represents hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, n-     or isopropyl, n-, iso-, sec- or tert-butyl.

Furthermore preferred are thiazole(bi)cycloalkylcarboxanilides of the formula (I) in which R¹ represents hydrogen.

Furthermore preferred are thiazole(bi)cycloalkylcarboxanilides of the formula (I) in which R¹ represents methyl.

Furthermore preferred are thiazole(bi)cycloalkylcarboxanilides of the formula (I) in which R¹ represents —CHO.

Furthermore preferred are thiazole(bi)cycloalkylcarboxanilides of the formula (I) in which R¹ represents methylcarbonyl (acetyl).

Furthermore preferred are thiazole(bi)cycloalkylcarboxanilides of the formula (I) in which Q represents Q-1 and R² represents bicyclo[2.2.1]heptyl (norbornanyl).

Furthermore preferred are thiazole(bi)cycloalkylcarboxanilides of the formula (I) in which Q represents Q-1 and m represents 0.

Furthermore preferred are thiazole(bi)cycloalkylcarboxanilides of the formula (I) in which Q represents Q-1, m represents 1 and R³ represents fluorine or methyl.

Moreover, preference is given to thiazole(bi)cycloalkylcarboxanilides of the formula (I-a)

in which

-   Q is as defined above.

Moreover, preference is given to thiazole(bi)cycloalkylcarboxanilides of the formula (I-b)

in which

-   Q is as defined above, -   R¹⁻¹ represents C₁-C₈-alkyl, C₁-C₆-alkylsulfinyl,     C₁-C₆-alkylsulfonyl, C₁-C₄-alkoxy-C₁-C₄-alkyl, C₃-C₈-cycloalkyl;     C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkylsulfanyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkylsulfinyl,     C₁-C₄-haloalkylsulfonyl, halo-C₁-C₄-alkoxy-C₁-C₄-alkyl,     C₃-C₈-halocycloalkyl having in each case 1 to 9 fluorine, chlorine     and/or bromine atoms; —COR⁷, —CONR⁸R⁹ or —CH₂NR¹⁰R¹¹, -   R⁷, R⁸, R⁹, R¹⁰ and R¹¹ are as defined above. -   R¹⁻¹ preferably represents C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₄-alkylsulfinyl,     C₁-C₄-alkylsulfonyl, C₁-C₃-alkoxy-C₁-C₃-alkyl, C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl;     C₁-C₄-haloalkyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkylsulfanyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkylsulfinyl,     C₁-C₄-haloalkylsulfonyl, halo-C₁-C₃-alkoxy-C₁-C₃-alkyl,     C₃-C₆-halocycloalkyl having in each case 1 to 9 fluorine, chlorine     and/or bromine atoms; —COR⁷, —CONR⁸R⁹ or —CH₂NR¹⁰R¹¹. -   R¹⁻¹ particularly preferably represents methyl, ethyl, n- or     isopropyl, n-, iso-, sec- or tertbutyl, pentyl or hexyl,     methylsulfinyl, ethylsulfinyl, n- or isopropylsulfinyl, n-, iso-,     sec- or tert-butylsulfinyl, methylsulfonyl, ethylsulfonyl, n- or     isopropylsulfonyl, n-, iso-, sec- or tert-butylsulfonyl,     methoxymethyl, methoxyethyl, ethoxymethyl, ethoxyethyl, cyclopropyl,     cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, trifluoromethyl, trichloromethyl,     trifluoroethyl, difluoromethylsulfanyl,     difluorochloromethylsulfanyl, trifluoromethylsulfanyl,     trifluoromethylsulfinyl, trifluoromethylsulfonyl,     trifluoromethoxymethyl; —COR⁷, —CONR⁸R⁹ or —CH₂NR¹⁰R¹¹. -   R¹⁻¹ very particularly preferably represents methyl or —COR⁷.

Moreover, preference is given to thiazole(bi)cycloalkylcarboxanilides of the formula (I-c)

in which

-   R¹, R² and R³ are as defined above.

Moreover, preference is given to thiazole(bi)cycloalkylcarboxanilides of the formula (I-d)

in which

-   A, R⁴, R⁵ and R⁶ are as defined.

The preferred, particularly preferred and very particularly preferred definitions of the respective radicals R¹ to R³, Q, m and A apply correspondingly to the compounds of the formulae (I-a), (I-b), (I-c) and (I-d).

Saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon radicals, such as alkyl and alkenyl, can in each case be straight-chain or branched as far as this is possible, including in combination with heteroatoms, such as, for example, an alkoxy.

Optionally substituted radicals can be mono- or polysubstituted, where in the case of polysubstitution the substituents can be identical or different.

Halogen-substituted radicals, such as, for example, haloalkyl, are mono- or polyhalogenated. In the case of polyhalogenation, the halogen atoms can be identical or different. Here, halogen represents fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine, in particular fluorine, chlorine and bromine.

However, the general or preferred radical definitions or illustrations given above can also be combined with one another as desired, i.e. between the respective ranges and preferred ranges. They apply both to the end products and, correspondingly, to the precursors and intermediates. Moreover, individual definitions may not apply.

Using 4-(difluoromethyl)-2-methyl-1,3-thiazole-5-carbonyl chloride and 2-bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-ylaniline as starting materials in the first step and additionally acetyl chloride as starting material in the second step, the course of the process A) according to the invention can be illustrated by the formula scheme below.

Illustration of the Processes and Intermediates

The formula (II) provides a general definition of the carboxylic acid derivatives required as starting materials for carrying out the first step of the process A) according to the invention. In this formula, G preferably represents chlorine, bromine, hydroxyl, methoxy or ethoxy, particularly preferably chlorine, hydroxyl or methoxy, very particularly preferably chlorine.

The carboxylic acid derivatives of the formula (II) are known or can be prepared by known processes (cf. EP-A 0 545 099 and EP-A 0 589 313).

The formula (III) provides a general definition of the aniline derivatives required as reaction components for carrying out the first step of the process A) according to the invention. In this formula, Q preferably has one of the meanings Q-1 and Q-2.

The aniline derivatives of the formula (III) are known, and/or some of them can be prepared by known methods (cf. EP-A 0 545 099 and EP-A 0 589 301 for Q-1, EP-A 0 654 464, EP-A 0 315 502 and EP-A 0 280 275 for Q-2).

The compounds of the formula (I-a) used as reaction components for carrying out step two of the process A) according to the invention are a subgroup of the thiazole(bi)cycloalkylcarboxanilides of the formula (I) according to the invention and thus also form part of the subject-matter of the present application.

The formula (IV) provides a general definition of the halides required as reaction components for carrying out the second step of the process A) according to the invention. In this formula, Q preferably has one of the meanings Q-1 and Q-2. R¹⁻¹ preferably, particularly preferably and very particularly preferably has those meanings which have already been given in connection with the description of the compounds of the formula (I-b) according to the invention as being preferred, particularly preferred and very particularly preferred, respectively, for these radicals. X is preferably chlorine or bromine.

Halides of the formula (III) are known chemicals for synthesis.

Suitable acid binders for carrying out the first step of the process A) according to the invention are all inorganic and organic bases customary for such reactions. Preference is given to using alkaline earth metal or alkali metal hydroxides, such as sodium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, or else ammonium hydroxide, alkali metal carbonates, such as sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, potassium bicarbonate, sodium bicarbonate, alkali metal or alkaline earth metal acetates, such as sodium acetate, potassium acetate, calcium acetate, and also tertiary amines, such as trimethylamine, triethylamine, tributylamine, N,N-dimethylaniline, pyridine, N-methylpiperidine, N,N-dimethylamino-pyridine, diazabicyclooctane (DABCO), diazabicyclononene (DBN) or diazabicycloundecene (DBU). However, it is also possible to operate without additional acid binder or to use an excess of the amine component so that it simultaneously acts as acid binder.

Suitable diluents for carrying out the first step of the process A) according to the invention are in each case all customary inert organic solvents. Preference is given to using optionally halogenated aliphatic, alicyclic or aromatic hydrocarbons, such as petroleum ether, hexane, heptane, cyclohexane, methylcyclohexane, benzene, toluene, xylene or decalin; chlorobenzene, dichlorobenzene, dichloromethane, chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, dichloroethane or trichloroethane; ethers, such as diethyl ether, diisopropyl ether, methyl t-butyl ether, methyl t-amyl ether, dioxane, tetrahydrofuran, 1,2-dimethoxyethane, 1,2-diethoxyethane or anisole; nitriles, such as acetonitrile, propionitrile, n- or i-butyronitrile or benzonitrile; amides, such as N,N-dimethylformamide, N,N-dimethylacetamide, N-methylformanilide, N-methylpyrrolidone or hexamethylphosphoric triamide; esters, such as methyl acetate or ethyl acetate, sulfoxides, such as dimethyl sulfoxide, or sulfones, such as sulfolan.

When carrying out the first step of the process A) according to the invention, the reaction temperatures can in each case be varied within a relatively wide range. In general, the reaction is carried out at temperatures between 0° C. and 140° C., preferably between 10° C. and 120° C.

When carrying out the first step of the process A) according to the invention, the reaction is generally in each case carried out under atmospheric pressure. However, in each case it is also possible to operate under elevated or reduced pressure.

When carrying out the first step of the process A) according to the invention, in general 1 mol or else an excess of aniline derivative of the formula (III) and from 1 to 3 mol of acid binder are employed per mole of carboxylic acid derivative of the formula (II). However, it is also possible to employ the reaction components in other ratios. Work-up is carried out by customary methods. In general, water is added to the reaction mixture and the organic phase is separated off and, after drying, concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue that remains may, if appropriate, be freed from any impurities that may still be present using customary methods, such as chromatography or recrystallization.

Suitable diluents for carrying out the second step of the process A) according to the invention are all inert organic solvents. These preferably include aliphatic, alicyclic or aromatic hydrocarbons, such as, for example, petroleum ether, hexane, heptane, cyclohexane, methylcyclohexane, benzene, toluene, xylene or decalin; halogenated hydrocarbons, such as, for example, chlorobenzene, dichlorobenzene, dichloromethane, chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, dichloroethane or trichloroethane; ethers, such as diethyl ether, diisopropyl ether, methyl tert-butyl ether, methyl tert-amyl ether, dioxane, tetrahydrofuran, 1,2-dimethoxyethane, 1,2-diethoxyethane or anisole, or amides, such as N,N-dimethylformamide, N,N-dimethylacetamide, N-methylformanilide, N-methylpyrrolidone or hexamethylphosphoric triamide

The second step of the process A) according to the invention is carried out in the presence of a suitable acid acceptor. Suitable acid acceptors are all customary inorganic or organic bases. These preferably include alkaline earth metal or alkali metal hydrides, hydroxides, amides, alkoxides, acetates, carbonates or bicarbonates, such as, for example, sodium hydride, sodium amide, sodium methoxide, sodium ethoxide, potassium tert-butoxide, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, ammonium hydroxide, sodium acetate, potassium acetate, calcium acetate, ammonium acetate, sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, potassium bicarbonate, sodium bicarbonate or cesium carbonate, and also tertiary amines, such as trimethylamine, triethylamine, tributylamine, N,N-dimethylaniline, N,N-dimethylbenzylamine, pyridine, N-methylpiperidine, N-methylmorpholine, N,N-dimethylaminopyridine, diazabicyclooctane (DABCO), diazabicyclononene (DBN) or diazabicycloundecene (DBU).

When carrying out the second step of the process A) according to the invention, the reaction temperatures can be varied within a relatively wide range. In general, the reaction is carried out at temperatures of from 0° C. to 150° C., preferably at temperatures of from 20° C. to 110° C.

When carrying out the second step of the process A) according to the invention, the reaction is generally in each case carried out under atmospheric pressure. However, in each case it is also possible to operate under elevated or reduced pressure.

For carrying out the second step of the process (A) for preparing the compounds of the formula (I), in general from 0.2 to 5 mol, preferably from 0.5 to 2 mol, of the halide of the formula (III) are employed per mole of the thiazolylbiphenylamide of the formula (II).

The compounds according to the invention have potent microbicidal activity and can be employed for controlling unwanted microorganisms, such as fungi and bacteria, in crop protection and in the protection of materials.

Fungicides can be employed crop protection for controlling Plasmodiophoromycetes, Oomycetes, Chytridiomycetes, Zygomycetes, Ascomycetes, Basidiomycetes and Deuteromycetes.

Bactericides can be employed in crop protection for controlling Pseudomonadaceae, Rhizobiaceae, Enterobacteriaceae, Corynebacteriaceae and Streptomycetaceae.

Some pathogens causing fungal and bacterial diseases which come under the generic names listed above may be mentioned as examples, but not by way of limitation:

-   Xanthomonas species, such as, for example, Xanthomonas campestris     pv. oryzae; -   Pseudomonas species, such as, for example, Pseudomonas syringae pv.     lachrymans; -   Erwinia species, such as, for example, Erwinia amylovora; -   Pythium species, such as, for example, Pythium ultimum; -   Phytophthora species, such as, for example, Phytophthora infestans; -   Pseudoperonospora species, such as, for example, Pseudoperonospora     humuli or Pseudoperonospora cubensis; -   Plasmopara species, such as, for example, Plasmopara viticola; -   Bremia species, such as, for example, Bremia lactucae; -   Peronospora species, such as, for example, Peronospora pisi or P.     brassicae; -   Erysiphe species, such as, for example, Erysiphe graminis; -   Sphaerotheca species, such as, for example, Sphaerotheca fuliginea; -   Podosphaera species, such as, for example, Podosphaera leucotricha; -   Venturia species, such as, for example, Venturia inaequalis; -   Pyrenophora species, such as, for example, Pyrenophora teres or P.     graminea (conidia form: Drechslera, syn: Helminthosporium); -   Cochliobolus species, such as, for example, Cochliobolus sativus     (conidia form: Drechslera, syn: Helminthosporium); -   Uromyces species, such as, for example, Uromyces appendiculatus; -   Puccinia species, such as, for example, Puccinia recondita; -   Sclerotinia species, such as, for example, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum; -   Tilletia species, such as, for example, Tilletia caries; -   Ustilago species, such as, for example, Ustilago nuda or Ustilago     avenae; -   Pellicularia species, such as, for example, Pellicularia sasakii; -   Pyricularia species, such as, for example, Pyricularia oryzae; -   Fusarium species, such as, for example, Fusarium culmorum; -   Botrytis species, such as, for example, Botrytis cinerea; -   Septoria species, such as, for example, Septoria nodorum; -   Leptosphaeria species, such as, for example, Leptosphaeria nodorum; -   Cercospora species, such as, for example, Cercospora canescens; -   Alternaria species, such as, for example, Alternaria brassicae; and -   Pseudocercosporella species, such as, for example,     Pseudocercosporella herpotrichoides.

The active compounds according to the invention also show a strong invigorating action in plants. Accordingly, they are suitable for mobilizing the internal defenses of the plant against attack by unwanted microorganisms.

In the present context, plant-invigorating (resistance-inducing) compounds are to be understood as meaning substances which are capable of stimulating the defense system of plants such that, when the treated plants are subsequently inoculated with unwanted microorganisms, they display substantial resistance to these microorganisms.

In the present case, unwanted microorganisms are to be understood as meaning phytopathogenic fungi, bacteria and viruses. The compounds according to the invention can thus be used to protect plants within a certain period of time after treatment against attack by the pathogens mentioned. The period of time for which this protection is achieved generally extends for 1 to 10 days, preferably 1 to 7 days, from the treatment of the plants with the active compounds.

The fact that the active compounds are well tolerated by plants at the concentrations required for controlling plant diseases permits the treatment of above-ground parts of plants, of propagation stock and seeds, and of the soil.

The active compounds according to the invention are also suitable for increasing the yield of crops. In addition, they show reduced toxicity and are well tolerated by plants.

If appropriate, the active compounds according to the invention can, at certain concentrations and application rates, also be employed as herbicides, for regulating plant growth and for controlling animal pests. If appropriate, they can also be used as intermediates or precursors in the synthesis of other active compounds.

According to the invention, it is possible to treat all plants and parts of plants. Plants are to be understood here as meaning all plants and plant populations, such as desired and undesired wild plants or crop plants (including naturally occurring crop plants). Crop plants can be plants which can be obtained by conventional breeding and optimization methods or by biotechnological and genetic engineering methods or combinations of these methods, including the transgenic plants and including plant cultivars which can or cannot be protected by plant breeders' certificates. Parts of plants are to be understood as meaning all above-ground and below-ground parts and organs of plants, such as shoot, leaf, flower and root, examples which may be mentioned being leaves, needles, stems, trunks, flowers, fruit-bodies, fruits and seeds and also roots, tubers and rhizomes. Parts of plants also include harvested material and vegetative and generative propagation material, for example seedlings, tubers, rhizomes, cuttings and seeds.

The treatment of the plants and parts of plants according to the invention with the active compounds is carried out directly or by action on their environment, habitat or storage area according to customary treatment methods, for example by dipping, spraying, evaporating, atomizing, broadcasting, brushing-on and, in the case of propagation material, in particular in the case of seeds, furthermore by one- or multilayer coating.

In the protection of materials, the compounds according to the invention can be employed for protecting industrial materials against infection with, and destruction by, unwanted microorganisms.

Industrial materials in the present context are understood as meaning non-living materials which have been prepared for use in industry. For example, industrial materials which are intended to be protected by active compounds according to the invention from microbial change or destruction can be tackifiers, sizes, paper and board, textiles, leather, wood, paints and plastic articles, cooling lubricants and other materials which can be infected with, or destroyed by, microorganisms. Parts of production plants, for example cooling-water circuits, which may be impaired by the proliferation of microorganisms may also be mentioned within the scope of the materials to be protected. Industrial materials which may be mentioned within the scope of the present invention are preferably tackifiers, sizes, papers and boards, leather, wood, paints, cooling lubricants and heat-transfer liquids, particularly preferably wood.

Microorganisms capable of degrading or changing the industrial materials which may be mentioned are, for example, bacteria, fungi, yeasts, algae and slime organisms. The active compounds according to the invention preferably act against fungi, in particular molds, wood-discoloring and wood-destroying fungi (Basidiomycetes) and against slime organisms and algae.

Microorganisms of the following genera may be mentioned as examples:

-   Alternaria, such as Alternaria tenuis, -   Aspergillus, such as Aspergillus niger, -   Chaetomium, such as Chaetomium globosum, -   Coniophora, such as Coniophora puetana, -   Lentinus, such as Lentinus tigrinus, -   Penicillium, such as Penicillium glaucum, -   Polyporus, such as Polyporus versicolor, -   Aureobasidium, such as Aureobasidium pullulans, -   Sclerophoma, such as Sclerophoma pityophila, -   Trichoderma, such as Trichoderma viride, -   Escherichia, such as Escherichia coli, -   Pseudomonas, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and -   Staphylococcus, such as Staphylococcus aureus.

Depending on their particular physical and/or chemical properties, the active compounds can be converted into the customary formulations, such as solutions, emulsions, suspensions, powders, foams, pastes, granules, aerosols and microencapsulations in polymeric substances and in coating compositions for seeds, and ULV cool and warm fogging formulations.

These formulations are produced in a known manner, for example by mixing the active compounds with extenders, that is liquid solvents, liquefied gases under pressure, and/or solid carriers, optionally with the use of surfactants, that is emulsifiers and/or dispersants, and/or foam formers. If the extender used is water, it is also possible to employ, for example, organic solvents as auxiliary solvents. Essentially, suitable liquid solvents are: aromatics such as xylene, toluene or alkylnaphthalenes, chlorinated aromatics or chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons such as chlorobenzenes, chloroethylenes or methylene chloride, aliphatic hydrocarbons such as cyclohexane or paraffins, for example petroleum fractions, alcohols such as butanol or glycol and their ethers and esters, ketones such as acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone or cyclohexanone, strongly polar solvents such as dimethylformamide or dimethyl sulfoxide, or else water. Liquefied gaseous extenders or carriers are to be understood as meaning liquids which are gaseous at standard temperature and under atmospheric pressure, for example aerosol propellants such as halogenated hydrocarbons, or else butane, propane, nitrogen and carbon dioxide. Suitable solid carriers are: for example ground natural minerals such as kaolins, clays, talc, chalk, quartz, attapulgite, montmorillonite or diatomaceous earth, and ground synthetic minerals such as finely divided silica, alumina and silicates. Suitable solid carriers for granules are: for example crushed and fractionated natural rocks such as calcite, pumice, marble, sepiolite and dolomite, or else synthetic granules of inorganic and organic meals, and granules of organic material such as sawdust, coconut shells, maize cobs and tobacco stalks. Suitable emulsifiers and/or foam formers are: for example nonionic and anionic emulsifiers, such as polyoxyethylene fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene fatty alcohol ethers, for example alkylaryl polyglycol ethers, alkylsulfonates, alkyl sulfates, arylsulfonates, or else protein hydrolyzates. Suitable dispersants are: for example lignosulfite waste liquors and methylcellulose.

Tackifiers such as carboxymethylcellulose, natural and synthetic polymers in the form of powders, granules or lattices, such as gum arabic, polyvinyl alcohol and polyvinyl acetate, or else natural phospholipids such as cephalins and lecithins and synthetic phospholipids can be used in the formulations. Other possible additives are mineral and vegetable oils.

It is possible to use colorants such as inorganic pigments, for example iron oxide, titanium oxide and Prussian Blue, and organic dyestuffs such as alizarin dyestuffs, azo dyestuffs and metal phthalocyanine dyestuffs, and trace nutrients such as salts of iron, manganese, boron, copper, cobalt, molybdenum and zinc.

The formulations generally comprise between 0.1 and 95 percent by weight of active compound, preferably between 0.5 and 90%.

The active compounds according to the invention can, as such or in their formulations, also be used in a mixture with known fungicides, bactericides, acaricides, nematicides or insecticides, to broaden, for example, the activity spectrum or to prevent development of resistance. In many cases, synergistic effects are obtained, i.e. the activity of the mixture is greater than the activity of the individual components.

Suitable mixing components are, for example, the following compounds:

Fungicides:

-   2-phenylphenol; 8-hydroxyquinoline sulfate; -   acibenzolar-S-methyl; aldimorph; amidoflumet; ampropylfos;     ampropylfos-potassium; andoprim; anilazine; azaconazole;     azoxystrobin; -   benalaxyl; benodanil; benomyl; benthiavalicarb-isopropyl;     benzamacril; benzamacril-isobutyl; bilanafos; binapacryl; biphenyl;     bitertanol; blasticidin-S; bromuconazole; bupirimate; buthiobate;     butylamine; -   calcium polysulfide; capsimycin; captafol; captan; carbendazim;     carboxin; carpropamid; carvone; chinomethionat; chlobenthiazone;     chlorfenazole; chloroneb; chlorothalonil; chlozolinate; clozylacon;     cyazofamid; cyflufenamid; cymoxanil; cyproconazole; cyprodinil;     cyprofuram; -   Dagger G; debacarb; dichlofluanid; dichlone; dichlorophen;     diclocymet; diclomezine; dicloran; diethofencarb; difenoconazole;     diflumetorim; dimethirimol; dimethomorph; dimoxystrobin;     diniconazole; diniconazole-M; dinocap; diphenylamine; dipyrithione;     ditalimfos; dithianon; dodine; drazoxolon; -   edifenphos; epoxiconazole; ethaboxam; ethirimol; etridiazole; -   famoxadone; fenamidone; fenapanil; fenarimol; fenbuconazole;     fenfuram; fenhexamid; fenitropan; fenoxanil; fenpiclonil;     fenpropidin; fenpropimorph; ferbam; fluazinam; flubenzimine;     fludioxonil; flumetover; flumorph; fluoromide; fluoxastrobin;     fluquinconazole; flurprimidol; flusilazole; flusulfamide;     flutolanil; flutriafol; folpet; fosetyl-A1; fosetyl-sodium;     fuberidazole; furalaxyl; furametpyr; furcarbanil; furmecyclox; -   guazatine; hexachlorobenzene; hexaconazole; hymexazole; -   imazalil; imibenconazole; iminoctadine triacetate; iminoctadine     tris(albesil); iodocarb; ipconazole; iprobenfos; iprodione;     iprovalicarb; irumamycin; isoprothiolane; isovaledione; -   kasugamycin; kresoxim-methyl; -   mancozeb; maneb; meferimzone; mepanipyrim; mepronil; metalaxyl;     metalaxyl-M; metconazole; methasulfocarb; methfturoxam; metiram;     metominostrobin; metsulfovax; mildiomycin; myclobutanil; myclozolin; -   natamycin; nicobifen; nitrothal-isopropyl; noviflumuron; nuarimol; -   ofurace; orysastrobin; oxadixyl; oxolinic acid; oxpoconazole;     oxycarboxin; oxyfenthiin; -   paclobutrazole; pefurazoate; penconazole; pencycuron; phosdiphen;     phthalide; picoxy-strobin; piperalin; polyoxins; polyoxorim;     probenazole; prochloraz; procymidone; propamocarb;     propanosine-sodium; propiconazole; propineb; proquinazid;     prothioconazole; pyraclostrobin; pyrazophos; pyrifenox;     pyrimethanil; pyroquilon; pyroxyfur; pyrrolenitrine; -   quinconazole; quinoxyfen; quintozene; simeconazole; spiroxamine;     sulfur; -   tebuconazole; tecloftalam; tecnazene; tetcyclacis; tetraconazole;     thiabendazole; thicyofen; thifluzamide; thiophanate-methyl; thiram;     tioxymid; tolclofos-methyl; tolylfluanid; triadimefon; triadimenol;     triazbutil; triazoxide; tricyclamide; tricyclazole; tridemorph;     trifloxystrobin; triflumizole; triforine; triticonazole; -   uniconazole; validamycin A; vinclozolin; zineb; ziram; zoxamide; -   (2S)-N-[2-[4-[[3-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-propynyl]oxy]-3-methoxyphenyl]ethyl]-3-methyl-2-[(methylsulfonyl)amino]butanamide;     1-(1-naphthalenyl)-1H-pyrrole-2,5-dione;     2,3,5,6-tetrachloro-4-(methylsulfonyl)pyridine;     2-amino-4-methyl-N-phenyl-5-thiazolecarboxamide;     2-chloro-N-(2,3-dihydro-1,1,3-trimethyl-1H-inden-4-yl)-3-pyridinecarboxamide;     3,4,5-trichloro-2,6-pyridinedicarbonitrile; actinovate;     cis-1-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)cycloheptanol;     methyl     1-(2,3-dihydro-2,2-dimethyl-1H-inden-1-yl)-1H-imidazole-5-carboxylate;     monopotassium carbonate;     N-(6-methoxy3-pyridinyl)cyclopropanecarboxamide; -   N-butyl-8-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-1-oxaspiro[4.5]decane-3-amine; sodium     tetrathiocarbonate; and copper salts and preparations, such as     Bordeaux mixture; copper hydroxide; copper naphthenate; copper     oxychloride; copper sulfate; cufraneb; copper oxide; mancopper;     oxine-copper.     Bactericides: -   bronopol, dichlorophen, nitrapyrin, nickel dimethyldithiocarbamate,     kasugamycin, octhilinone, furancarboxylic acid, oxytetracyclin,     probenazole, streptomycin, tecloftalam, copper sulfate and other     copper preparations.     Insecticides/Acaricides/Nematicides: -   abamectin, ABG-9008, acephate, acequinocyl, acetamiprid, acetoprole,     acrinathrin, AKD-1022, AKD-3059, AKD-3088, alanycarb, aldicarb,     aldoxycarb, allethrin, allethrin 1R-isomers, alpha-cypermethrin     (alphamethrin), armidoflumet, aminocarb, amitraz, avermectin,     AZ-60541, azadirachtin, azamethiphos, azinphos-methyl,     azinphos-ethyl, azocyclotin, -   Bacillus popilliae, Bacillus sphaericus, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus     thuringiensis, Bacillus thuringiensis strain EG-2348, Bacillus     thuringiensis strain GC-91, Bacillus thuringiensis strain     NCTC-11821, baculoviruses, Beauveria bassiana, Beauveria tenella,     bendiocarb, benfuracarb, bensultap, benzoximate, beta-cyfluthrin,     beta-cypermethrin, bifenazate, bifenthrin, binapacryl, bioallethrin,     bioallethrin-S-cyclopentyl-isomer, bioethanomethrin, biopermethrin,     bioresmethrin, bistrifluron, BPMC, brofenprox, bromophos-ethyl,     bromopropylate, bromfenvinfos (-methyl), BTG-504, BTG-505,     bufencarb, buprofezin, butathiofos, butocarboxim, butoxycarboxim,     butylpyridaben, -   cadusafos, camphechlor, carbaryl, carbofuran, carbophenothion,     carbosulfan, cartap, CGA-50439, chinomethionat, chlordane,     chlordimeform, chloethocarb, chlorethoxyfos, chlorfenapyr,     chlorfenvinphos, chlorfluazuron, chlormephos, chlorobenzilate,     chloropicrin, chlorproxyfen, chlorpyrifos-methyl, chlorpyrifos     (-ethyl), chlovaporthrin, chromafenozide, cis-cypermethrin,     cis-resmethrin, cis-permethrin, clocythrin, cloethocarb,     clofentezine, clothianidin, clothiazoben, codlemone, coumaphos,     cyanofenphos, cyanophos, cycloprene, cycloprothrin, Cydia pomonella,     cyfluthrin, cyhalothrin, cyhexatin, cypermethrin, cyphenothrin     (1R-trans-isomer), cyromazine, -   DDT, deltamethrin, demeton-S-methyl, demeton-S-methylsulfone,     diafenthiuron, dialifos, diazinon, dichlofenthion, dichlorvos,     dicofol, dicrotophos, dicyclanil, diflubenzuron, di-methoate,     dimethylvinphos, dinobuton, dinocap, dinotefuran, diofenolan,     disulfoton, docusat-sodium, dofenapyn, DOWCO-439, -   eflusilanate, emamectin, emamectin-benzoate, empenthrin (1R-isomer),     endosulfan, Entomopthora spp., EPN, esfenvalerate, ethiofencarb,     ethiprole, ethion, ethoprophos, etofenprox, etoxazole, etrimfos, -   famphur, fenamiphos, fenazaquin, fenbutatin oxide, fenfluthrin,     fenitrothion, fenobucarb, fenothiocarb, fenoxacrim, fenoxycarb,     fenpropathrin, fenpyrad, fenpyrithrin, fenpyroximate, fensulfothion,     fenthion, fentrifanil, fenvalerate, fipronil, flonicamid,     fluacrypyrim, fluazuron, flubenzimine, flubrocythrinate,     flucycloxuron, flucythrinate, flufenerim, flufenoxuron, flufenprox,     flumethrin, flupyrazofos, flutenzin (flufenzine), fluvalinate,     fonofos, formetanate, formothion, fosmethilan, fosthiazate,     fubfenprox (fluproxyfen), furathiocarb, -   gamma-HCH, gossyplure, grandlure, granulosis viruses, -   halfenprox, halofenozide, HCH, HCN-801, heptenophos, hexaflumuron,     hexythiazox, hydramethylnone, hydroprene, -   IKA-2002, imidacloprid, imiprothrin, indoxacarb, iodofenphos,     iprobenfos, isazofos, isofenphos, isoprocarb, isoxathion,     ivermectin, japonilure, -   kadethrin, nuclear polyhedrosis viruses, kinoprene,     lambda-cyhalothrin, lindane, lufenuron, -   malathion, mecarbam, mesulfenfos, metaldehyde, metam-sodium,     methacrifos, methamidophos, Metharhizium anisopliae, Metharhizium     flavoviride, methidathion, methiocarb, methomyl, methoprene,     methoxychlor, methoxyfenozide, metolcarb, metoxadiazone, mevinphos,     milbemectin, milbemycin, MKI-245, MON-45700, monocrotophos,     moxidectin, MTI-800, -   naled, NC-104, NC-170, NC-184, NC-194, NC-196, niclosamide,     nicotine, nitenpyram, nithiazine, NNI-0001, NNI-0101, NNI-0250,     NNI-9768, novaluron, noviflumuron, -   OK-5101, OK-5201, OK-9601, OK-9602, OK-9701, OK-9802, omethoate,     oxamyl, oxydemeton-methyl, -   Paecilomyces fumosoroseus, parathion-methyl, parathion (-ethyl),     permethrin (cis-, trans-), petroleum, PH-6045, phenothrin (1R-trans     isomer), phenthoate, phorate, phosalone, phosmet, phosphamidon,     phosphocarb, phoxim, piperonyl butoxide, pirimicarb,     pirimiphosmethyl, pirimiphos-ethyl, prallethrin, profenofos,     promecarb, propaphos, propargite, propetamphos, propoxur,     prothiofos, prothoate, protrifenbute, pymetrozine, pyraclofos,     pyresmethrin, pyrethrum, pyridaben, pyridalyl, pyridaphenthion,     pyridathion, pyrimidifen, pyriproxyfen, -   quinalphos, resmethrin, RH-5849, ribavirin, RU-12457, RU-15525, -   S-421, S-1833, salithion, sebufos, SI-0009, silafluofen, spinosad,     spirodiclofen, spiromesifen, sulfluramid, sulfotep, sulprofos,     SZI-121, -   tau-fluvalinate, tebufenozide, tebufenpyrad, tebupirimfos,     teflubenzuron, tefluthrin, temephos, temivinphos, terbam, terbufos,     tetrachlorvinphos, tetradifon, tetramethrin, tetramethrin     (1R-isomer), tetrasul, theta-cypermethrin, thiacloprid,     thiamethoxam, thiapronil, thiatriphos, thiocyclam hydrogenoxalate,     thiodicarb, thiofanox, thiometon, thiosultap-sodium, thuringiensin,     tolfenpyrad, tralocythrin, tralomethrin, transfluthrin, triarathene,     triazamate, triazophos, triazuron, trichlophenidine, trichlorfon,     triflumuron, trimethacarb, vamidothion, vaniliprole, verbutin,     Verticillium lecanii, -   WL-108477, WL-40027, YI-5201, YI-5301, YI-5302, XMC, xylylcarb, -   ZA-3274, zeta-cypermethrin, zolaprofos, ZXI-8901, -   the compound 3-methylphenyl propylcarbamate (Tsumacide Z), -   the compound     3-(5-chloro-3-pyridinyl)-8-(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octane-3-carbonitrile     (CAS-Reg. No. 185982-80-3) and the corresponding 3-endo-isomer     (CAS-Reg. No. 185984-60-5) (cf. WO 96/37494, WO 98/25923), -   and preparations which comprise insecticidally active plant     extracts, nematodes, fungi or viruses.

A mixture with other known active compounds, such as herbicides, or with fertilizers and growth regulators is also possible.

In addition, the compounds of the formula (I) according to the invention also have very good antimycotic activity. They have a very broad antimycotic activity spectrum in particular against dermatophytes and yeasts, molds and diphasic fungi (for example against Candida species such as Candida albicans, Candida glabrata) and Epidermophyton floccosum, Aspergillus species such as Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus fumigatus, Trichophyton species such as Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Microsporon species such as Microsporon canis and audouinii. The list of these fungi does by no means limit the mycotic spectrum which can be covered, but is only for illustration.

The active compounds can be used as such, in the form of their formulations or the use forms prepared therefrom, such as ready-to-use solutions, suspensions, wettable powders, pastes, soluble powders, dusts and granules. Application is carried out in a customary manner, for example by watering, spraying, atomizing, broadcasting, dusting, foaming, spreading, etc. It is furthermore possible to apply the active compounds by the ultra-low volume method, or to inject the active compound preparation or the active compound itself into the soil. It is also possible to treat the seeds of the plants.

When using the active compounds according to the invention as fungicides, the application rates can be varied within a relatively wide range, depending on the kind of application. For the treatment of parts of plants, the active compound application rates are generally between 0.1 and 10 000 g/ha, preferably between 10 and 1000 g/ha. For seed dressing, the active compound application rates are generally between 0.001 and 50 g per kilogram of seed, preferably between 0.01 and 10 g per kilogram of seed. For the treatment of the soil, the active compound application rates are generally between 0.1 and 10 000 g/ha, preferably between 1 and 5000 g/ha.

As already mentioned above, it is possible to treat all plants and their parts according to the invention. In a preferred embodiment, wild plant species and plant cultivars, or those obtained by conventional biological breeding, such as crossing or protoplast fusion, and parts thereof, are treated. In a further preferred embodiment, transgenic plants and plant cultivars obtained by genetic engineering, if appropriate in combination with conventional methods (Genetically Modified Organisms), and parts thereof, are treated. The term “parts” or “parts of plants” or “plant parts” has been explained above.

Particularly preferably, plants of the plant cultivars which are in each case commercially available or in use are treated according to the invention. Plant cultivars are to be understood as meaning plants having new properties (“traits”) and which have been obtained by conventional breeding, by mutagenesis or by recombinant DNA techniques. They can be cultivars, varieties, bio- or genotypes.

Depending on the plant species or plant cultivars, their location and growth conditions (soils, climate, vegetation period, diet), the treatment according to the invention may also result in superadditive (“synergistic”) effects. Thus, for example, reduced application rates and/or widening of the activity spectrum and/or an increase in the activity of the substances and compositions which can be used according to the invention, better plant growth, increased tolerance to high or low temperatures, increased tolerance to drought or to water or soil salt content, increased flowering performance, easier harvesting, accelerated maturation, higher harvest yields, better quality and/or a higher nutritional value of the harvested products, better storage stability and/or processability of the harvested products are possible which exceed the effects which were actually to be expected.

The transgenic plants or plant cultivars (i.e. those obtained by genetic engineering) which are preferably to be treated according to the invention include all plants which, in the genetic modification, received genetic material which imparts particularly advantageous useful properties (“traits”) to these plants. Examples of such properties are better plant growth, increased tolerance to high or low temperatures, increased tolerance to drought or to water or soil salt content, increased flowering performance, easier harvesting, accelerated maturation, higher harvest yields, better quality and/or a higher nutritional value of the harvested products, better storage stability and/or processability of the harvested products. Further and particularly emphasized examples of such properties are a better defense of the plants against animal and microbial pests, such as against insects, mites, phytopathogenic fungi, bacteria and/or viruses, and also increased tolerance of the plants to certain herbicidal active compounds. Examples of transgenic plants which may be mentioned are the important crop plants, such as cereals (wheat, rice), maize, soybeans, potatoes, cotton, tobacco, oilseed rape and also fruit plants (with the fruits apples, pears, citrus fruits and grapes), and particular emphasis is given to maize, soybeans, potatoes, cotton, tobacco and oilseed rape.

Traits that are emphasized are in particular increased defense of the plants against insects, arachnids, nematodes and slugs and snails by toxins formed in the plants, in particular those formed in the plants by the genetic material from Bacillus thuringiensis (for example by the genes CryIA(a), CryIA(b), CryIA(c), CryIIA, CryIIIA, CryIIIB2, Cry9c, Cry2Ab, Cry3Bb and CryIF and also combinations thereof) (hereinbelow referred to as “Bt plants”). Traits that are also particularly emphasized are the increased defense of the plants against fungi, bacteria and viruses by systemic acquired resistance (SAR), systemin, phytoalexins, elicitors and resistance genes and correspondingly expressed proteins and toxins. Traits that are furthermore particularly emphasized are the increased tolerance of the plants to certain herbicidally active compounds, for example imidazolinones, sulfonylureas, glyphosates or phosphinotricin (for example the “PAT” gene). The genes which impart the desired traits in question can also be present in combination with one another in the transgenic plants. Examples of “Bt plants” which may be mentioned are maize varieties, cotton varieties, soybean varieties and potato varieties which are sold under the trade names YIELD GARD® (for example maize, cotton, soybeans), KnockOut® (for example maize), StarLink® (for example maize), Bollgard® (cotton), Nucoton® (cotton) and NewLeaf® (potato). Examples of herbicide-tolerant plants which may be mentioned are maize varieties, cotton varieties and soybean varieties which are sold under the trade names Roundup Ready® (tolerance to glyphosate, for example maize, cotton, soybean), Liberty Link® (tolerance to phosphinotricin, for example oilseed rape), IMI® (tolerance to imidazolinones) and STS® (tolerance to sulfonylureas, for example maize). Herbicide-resistant plants (plants bred in a conventional manner for herbicide tolerance) which may be mentioned also include the varieties sold under the name Clearfield® (for example maize). Of course, these statements also apply to plant cultivars which have these genetic traits or genetic traits still to be developed, and which will be developed and/or marketed in the future.

The plants listed can be treated according to the invention in a particularly advantageous manner with the compounds of the general formula (I) or the active compound mixtures according to the invention. The preferred ranges stated above for the active compounds or mixtures also apply to the treatment of these plants. Particular emphasis is given to the treatment of plants with the compounds or mixtures specifically mentioned in the present text.

The preparation and the use of the active compounds according to the invention is illustrated by the examples below.

PREPARATION EXAMPLES Example 1

2-Cyclohexylaniline (175 mg, 1 mmol) and 4-(difluoromethyl)-2-methyl-1,3-thiazole-5-carbonyl chloride (212 mg, 1.2 mmol) are added dropwise to a suspension of potassium carbonate (138 mg) in acetonitrile (30 ml). The reaction mixture is stirred for 10 hours. For work-up, water (30 ml) is added to the reaction mixture, which is then extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic phase is dried using magnesium sulfate, filtered and concentrated. The residue is purified on silica gel (gradient cyclohexane/ethyl acetate 100:0→20:80).

This gives 210 mg (57%) of N-(2-cyclohexylphenyl)-4-(difluoromethyl)-2-methyl-1,3-thiazole-5-carboxamide of logP (pH 2.3)=3.50.

Example 2

2-Bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-ylaniline (562 mg, 3 mmol) and 4-(difluoromethyl)-2-methyl-1,3-thiazole-5-carbonyl chloride (635 mg, 3.6 mmol) are added dropwise to a suspension of potassium carbonate (415 mg) in acetonitrile (30 ml). The reaction mixture is stirred for 10 hours.

For work-up, water (30 ml) is added to the reaction mixture, which is then extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic phase is dried using magnesium sulfate, filtered and concentrated. The residue is purified on silica gel (gradient cyclohexane/ethyl acetate 100:0→20:80).

This gave 150 mg (13%) of N-(2-bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-ylphenyl)-4-(difluoromethyl)-2-methyl-1,3-thiazole-5-carboxamide of logP (pH 2.3)=3.63.

The compounds listed in Table 1 below are likewise prepared analogously to Examples 1 and 2 and analogously to the general descriptions of the processes.

TABLE 1

logP R² (pH Ex. Q R¹ R³ _(m) 2.3)  3 Q-1 H bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl 4-CH₃ 3.92  4 Q-1 H bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl 5-CH₃ 4.00  5 Q-1 H cycloheptyl 4-F 3.84  6 Q-1 H cyclopentyl 4-F 3.24  7 Q-2-a H — — 3.62  8 Q-1 H cyclooctyl — 4.06  9 Q-1 H cyclooctyl 4-CH₃ 4.43 10 Q-1 H cyclopentyl 4,5-(CH₃)₂ 3.78 11 Q-1 H cyclooctyl 4-F 4.10 12 Q-1 H cyclooctyl 5-CH₃ 4.44 13 Q-1 H cyclooctyl 5-F 4.10 14 Q-1 H bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl 4-Br 4.27 15 Q-1 H bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl 4,5-(CH₃)₂ 4.22 16 Q-1 H cyclopentyl — 3.19 17 Q-1 H 4-methylcyclohexyl — 3.82 18 Q-1 H (3R)-3-methylcyclohexyl — 3.88 19 Q-1 CH₃ bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl — 3.96 20 Q-1 CH₃ cyclohexyl — 3.85 21 Q-1 COCH₃ bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl — 3.95 22 Q-1 COCH₃ cyclohexyl — 3.86 23 Q-1 H 2-cyclohepten-1-yl 4-F 3.68 24 Q-1 H cycloheptyl — 3.81

The logP values given in the Preparation Examples were determined in accordance with EEC directive 79/831 Annex V.A8 by HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography) on a reversed-phase column (C 18). Temperature: 43° C.

Mobile phases for the determination in the acidic range: 0.1% aqueous phosphoric acid, acetonitrile; linear gradient from 10% acetonitrile to 90% acetonitrile.

Calibration was carried out using unbranched alkan-2-ones (having 3 to 16 carbon atoms) with known logP values (determination of the logP values by the retention times using linear interpolation between two successive alkanones).

The lambda max values were determined in the maxima of the chromatographic signals using the UV spectra from 200 nm to 400 nm.

USE EXAMPLES Example A

Sphaerotheca Test (Cucumber)/Protective

-   Solvents: 24.5 parts by weight of acetone     -   24.5 parts by weight of N,N-dimethylacetamide -   Emulsifier: 1 part by weight of alkylaryl polyglycol ether

To produce a suitable preparation of active compound, 1 part by weight of active compound is mixed with the stated amounts of solvents and emulsifier, and the concentrate is diluted with water to the desired concentration.

To test for protective activity, young cucumber plants are sprayed with the preparation of active compound at the stated application rate. After the spray coating has dried on, the plants are inoculated with an aqueous spore suspension of Sphaerotheca fuliginea. The plants are then placed in a greenhouse at about 23° C. and a relative atmospheric humidity of about 70%.

Evaluation is carried out 7 days after the inoculation. 0% means an efficacy which corresponds to that of the control, whereas an efficacy of 100% means that no infection is observed.

Active compounds, application rates and test results are shown in the table below.

TABLE A Sphaerotheca test (cucumber)/protective Active compound application rate in Efficacy Active compound g/ha in % 6

100 88 8

100 93 14

100 100 18

100 100 19

100 98 20

100 100 21

100 98 22

100 96 2

100 100 1

100 89

Example B

Venturia Test (Apple)/Protective

-   Solvents: 2.5 parts by weight of acetone     -   24.5 parts by weight of dimethylacetamide -   Emulsifier: 1.0 part by weight of alkylaryl polyglycol ether

To produce a suitable preparation of active compound, 1 part by weight of active compound is mixed with the stated amounts of solvents and emulsifier, and the concentrate is diluted with water to the desired concentration.

To test for protective activity, young plants are sprayed with the preparation of active compound at the stated application rate. After the spray coating has dried on, the plants are inoculated with an aqueous conidia suspension of the apple scab pathogen Venturia inaequalis and then remain in an incubation cabinet at about 20° C. and 100% relative atmospheric humidity for 1 day.

The plants are then placed in a greenhouse at about 21° C. and a relative atmospheric humidity of about 90%.

Evaluation is carried out 10 days after the inoculation. 0% means an efficacy which corresponds to that of the control, whereas an efficacy of 100% means that no infection is observed.

Active compounds, application rates and test results are shown in the table below.

TABLE B Venturia test (apple)/protective Active compound appli- cation Effi- rate in cacy Active compound g/ha in %  6

100  99  7

100 100  8

100 100 14

100 100 16

100  99 18

100 100 21

100  96  2

100 100  1

100 100

Example C

Puccinia Test (Wheat)/Protective

-   Solvent: 25 parts by weight of N,N-dimethylacetamide -   Emulsifier: 0.6 part by weight of alkylaryl polyglycol ether

To produce a suitable preparation of active compound, 1 part by weight of active compound is mixed with the stated amounts of solvent and emulsifier, and the concentrate is diluted with water to the desired concentration.

To test for protective activity, young plants are sprayed with the preparation of active compound at the stated application rate. After the spray coating has dried on, the plants are sprayed with a conidia suspension of Puccinia recondita. The plants remain in an incubation cabin at about 20° C. and 100% relative atmospheric humidity for 48 hours.

The plants are then placed in a greenhouse at a temperature of about 20° C. and a relative atmospheric humidity of 80% to promote the development of rust pustules.

Evaluation is carried out 10 days after the inoculation. 0% means an efficacy which corresponds to that of the control, whereas an efficacy of 100% means that no infection is observed.

Active compounds, application rates and test results are shown in the table below.

TABLE C Puccinia test (wheat)/protective Active compound appli- cation Effi- rate in cacy Active compound g/ha in %  7

500 100  8

500 100 22

500  93  2

500 100  1

500 100

Example D

Alternaria Test (Tomato)/Protective

-   Solvent: 49 parts by weight of N,N-dimethylformamide -   Emulsifier: 1 part by weight of alkylaryl polyglycol ether

To produce a suitable preparation of active compound, 1 part by weight of active compound is mixed with the stated amounts of solvent and emulsifier, and the concentrate is diluted with water to the desired concentration.

To test for protective activity, young tomato plants are sprayed with the preparation of active compound at the stated application rate. 1 day after the treatment, the plants are inoculated with a spore suspension of Alternaria solani. The plants then remain at 100% relative atmospheric humidity and 20° C. for 24 hours. Subsequently, the plants remain at 96% relative atmospheric humidity and a temperature of 20° C.

Evaluation is carried out 7 days after the inoculation. 0% means an efficacy which corresponds to that of the control, whereas an efficacy of 100% means that no infection is observed.

Active compounds, application rates and test results are shown in the table below.

TABLE D Alternaria test (tomato)/protective Active compound appli- cation Effi- rate in cacy Active compound g/ha in %  7

750 100 14

750  95 18

750 100 21

750 100 

1. A thiazole(bi)cycloalkylcarboxanilide of formula (I)

in which Q represents a group

R¹ represents hydrogen, C₁-C₈-alkyl, C₁-C₆-alkylsulfinyl, C₁-C₆-alkylsulfonyl, C₁-C₄-alkoxy-C₁-C₄-alkyl, or C₃-C₈-cycloalkyl; represents C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkylsulfanyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkylsulfinyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkylsulfonyl, halo-C₁-C₄-alkoxy-C₁-C₄-alkyl, or C₃-C₈-halocycloalkyl having in each case 1 to 9 fluorine, chlorine and/or bromine atoms; or represents —COR⁷, —CONR⁸R⁹, or —CH₂NR¹⁰R¹¹, R² represents C₃-C₁₂-cycloalkyl, or C₆-C₁₂-bicycloalkyl, each of which is is optionally mono- or polysubstituted by identical or different substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen, cyano, hydroxyl, C₁-C₈-alkyl, C₁-C₈-alkoxy, C₁-C₆-haloalkyl having 1 to 9 fluorine, chlorine, and/or bromine atoms, and C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy having 1 to 9 fluorine, chlorine, and/or bromine atoms, R³ represents fluorine, chlorine, bromine, or methyl, m represents 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4, R⁷ represents hydrogen, C₁-C₈-alkyl, C₁-C₈-alkoxy, C₁-C₄-alkoxy-C₁-C₄-alkyl, or C₃-C₈-cycloalkyl; represents C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₁-C₆-haloalkoxy, halo-C₁-C₄-alkoxy-C₁-C₄-alkyl, or C₃-C₈-halocycloalkyl having in each case 1 to 9 fluorine, chlorine, and/or bromine atoms; or represents 4-(difluoromethyl)-2-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl, R⁸ and R⁹ independently of one another represent hydrogen, C₁-C₈-alkyl, C₁-C₄-alkoxy-C₁-C₄-alkyl, or C₃-C₈-cycloalkyl; or represents C₁-C₈-haloalkyl, halo-C₁-C₄-alkoxy-C₁-C₄-alkyl, or C₃-C₈-halocycloalkyl having in each case 1 to 9 fluorine, chlorine, and/or bromine atoms, or R⁸ and R⁹ together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached form a saturated heterocycle that is optionally mono- or polysubstituted by identical or different substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen and C₁-C₄-alkyl and that has 5 to 8 ring atoms, where the heterocycle optionally contains 1 or 2 further nonadjacent heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur, and NR¹³, R¹⁰ and R¹¹ independently of one another represent hydrogen, C₁-C₈-alkyl, or C₃-C₈-cycloalkyl; or represent C₁-C₈-haloalkyl or C₃-C₈-halocycloalkyl having in each case 1 to 9 fluorine, chlorine, and/or bromine atoms, or R¹⁰ and R¹¹ together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached form a saturated heterocycle that is optionally mono- or polysubstituted by identical or different substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen and C₁-C₄-alkyl and that has 5 to 8 ring atoms, where the heterocycle optionally contains 1 or 2 further nonadjacent heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur, and NR¹³, and R¹³ represents hydrogen or C₁-C₆-alkyl.
 2. A thiazole(bi)cycloalkylcarboxanilide of formula (I) according to claim 1 in which Q represents a group

R¹ represents hydrogen; C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₄-alkylsulfinyl, C₁-C₄-alkylsulfonyl, C₁-C₃-alkoxy-C₁-C₃-alkyl, or C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl; represents C₁-C₄-haloalkyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkylsulfanyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkylsulfinyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkylsulfonyl, halo-C₁-C₃-alkoxy-C₁-C₃-alkyl, or C₃-C₆-halocycloalkyl having in each case 1 to 9 fluorine, chlorine, and/or bromine atoms; or represents —COR⁷, —CONR⁸R⁹, or —CH₂NR¹⁰R¹¹, R² represents C₃-C₁₂-cycloalkyl, or C₆-C₁₂-bicycloalkyl, each of which is optionally mono- to tetrasubstituted by identical or different substituents selected from the group consisting of fluorine, chlorine, bromine, cyano, hydroxyl, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₆-alkoxy, C₁-C₄-haloalkyl having 1 to 9 fluorine, chlorine, and/or bromine atoms, and C₁-C₄-haloalkoxy having 1 to 9 fluorine, chlorine, and/or bromine atoms, R³ represents fluorine, bromine or methyl, m represents 0, 1, 2, or 3, R⁷ represents hydrogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₄-alkoxy, C₁-C₃-alkoxy-C₁-C₃-alkyl, or C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl; represents C₁-C₄-haloalkyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkoxy, halo-C₁-C₃-alkoxy-C₁-C₃-alkyl, or C₃-C₆-halocycloalkyl having in each case 1 to 9 fluorine, chlorine, and/or bromine atoms; or represents 4-(difluoromethyl)-2-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl, R⁸ and R⁹ independently of one another represent hydrogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl, C₁-C₃-alkoxy-C₁-C₃-alkyl, or C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl; or represents C₁-C₄-haloalkyl, halo-C₁-C₃-alkoxy-C₁-C₃-alkyl, or C₃-C₆-halocycloalkyl having in each case 1 to 9 fluorine, chlorine, and/or bromine atoms, or R⁸ and R⁹ together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached form a saturated heterocycle that is optionally mono- to tetrasubstituted by identical or different substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen and C₁-C₄-alkyl and that has 5 to 8 ring atoms, where the heterocycle optionally contains 1 or 2 further nonadjacent heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur, and NR¹³, R¹⁰ and R¹¹ independently of one another represent hydrogen, C₁-C₆-alkyl, or C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl; or represent C₁-C₄-haloalkyl or C₃-C₆-halocycloalkyl having in each case 1 to 9 fluorine, chlorine, and/or bromine atoms, or R¹⁰ and R¹¹ together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached form a saturated heterocycle that is optionally mono- or polysubstituted by identical or different substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen and C₁-C₄-alkyl and which has 5 to 8 ring atoms, where the heterocycle optionally contains 1 or 2 further nonadjacent heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur, and NR¹², and R¹³ represents hydrogen or C₁-C₄-alkyl.
 3. A thiazole(bi)cycloalkylcarboxanilide of formula (I) according to claim 1 in which Q represents a group

R¹ represents hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, n- or isopropyl, n-, iso-, sec-, or tert-butyl, pentyl, or hexyl, methylsulfinyl, ethylsulfinyl, n- or isopropylsulfinyl, n-, iso-, sec-, or tert-butylsulfinyl, methylsulfonyl, ethylsulfonyl, n- or isopropylsulfonyl, n-, iso-, sec-, or tert-butylsulfonyl, methoxymethyl, methoxyethyl, ethoxymethyl, ethoxyethyl, cyclopropyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, trifluoromethyl, trichloromethyl, trifluoroethyl, difluoromethylsulfanyl, difluorochloromethylsulfanyl, trifluoromethylsulfanyl, trifluoromethylsulfinyl, trifluoromethylsulfonyl, or trifluoromethoxymethyl; or represents —COR⁷, —CONR⁸R⁹, or —CH₂NR¹⁰R¹¹, R² represents C₃-C₁₀-cycloalkyl, or C₆-C₁₀-bicycloalkyl, each of which is optionally mono- to trisubstituted by identical or different substituents selected from the group consisting of fluorine, chlorine, bromine, cyano, hydroxyl, methyl, ethyl, n- or isopropyl, n-, iso-, sec-, or tert-butyl, methoxy, ethoxy, n- or isopropoxy, n-, iso-, sec-, or tert-butoxy, trifluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trichloromethyl, difluorochloromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, difluoromethoxy, trichloromethoxy, or difluorochloromethoxy, R³ represents fluorine, bromine, or methyl, m represents 0, 1, 2, or 3, R⁷ represents hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, n- or isopropyl, tert-butyl, methoxy, ethoxy, tert-butoxy, cyclopropyl; trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, or 4-(difluoromethyl)-2-methyl-1,3-thiazol-2-yl, R⁸ and R⁹ independently of one another represent hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, n- or isopropyl, n-, iso-, sec-, or tert-butyl, methoxymethyl, methoxyethyl, ethoxymethyl, ethoxyethyl, cyclopropyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl; trifluoromethyl, trichloromethyl, trifluoroethyl, or trifluoromethoxymethyl, or R⁸ and R⁹ together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached form a saturated heterocycle selected from the group consisting of morpholine, thiomorpholine, and piperazine, each of which is optionally mono- to tetra-substituted by identical or different substituents selected from the group consisting of fluorine, chlorine, bromine, and methyl, where the piperazine is optionally substituted on the second nitrogen atom by R¹³, R¹⁰ and R¹¹ independently of one another represent hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, n- or isopropyl, n-, iso-, sec-, or tert-butyl, methoxymethyl, methoxyethyl, ethoxymethyl, ethoxyethyl, cyclopropyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl; trifluoromethyl, trichloromethyl, trifluoroethyl, or trifluoromethoxymethyl, or R¹⁰ and R¹¹ together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached form a saturated heterocycle selected from the group consisting of morpholine, thiomorpholine, and piperazine, each of which is optionally mono- to tetra-substituted by identical or different substituents selected from the group consisting of fluorine, chlorine, bromine, and methyl, where the piperazine is optionally substituted on the second nitrogen atom by R¹³, and R¹³ represents hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, n- or isopropyl, or n-, iso-, sec-, or tert-butyl.
 4. A thiazole(bi)cycloalkylcarboxanilide of formula (I) according to any of claims 1, 2, or 3 in which R¹ is hydrogen.
 5. A process for preparing a thiazole(bi)cycloalkylcarboxanilides of formula (I) according to claim 1 comprising (1) reacting a carboxylic acid derivative of formula (II)

in which G represents halogen, hydroxyl. or C₁-C₆-alkoxy, with an aniline derivative of formula (III) H₂N-Q  (III) in which Q is as defined for formula (I) in claim 1, in the presence of an acid binder and in the presence of a diluent to form a compound of formula (I-a)

in which Q is as defined for formula (I) in claim 1, and (2) optionally reacting a compound of formula (I-a) with a halide of the formula (III) R¹⁻¹—X  (IV) in which R¹⁻¹ represents C₁-C₈-alkyl, C₁-C₆-alkylsulfinyl, C₁-C₆-alkylsulfonyl, C₁-C₄-alkoxy-C₁-C₄-alkyl, or C₃-C₈-cycloalkyl; represents C₁-C₆-haloalkyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkylsulfanyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkylsulfinyl, C₁-C₄-haloalkylsulfonyl, halo-C₁-C₄-alkoxy-C₁-C₄-alkyl, or C₃-C₈-halo-cycloalkyl having in each case 1 to 9 fluorine, chlorine, and/or bromine atoms; or represents —COR⁷, —CONR⁸R⁹, or —CH₂NR¹⁰R¹¹, R⁷, R⁸, R⁹, R¹⁰, and R¹¹ are as defined for formula (I) in claim 1, and X represents chlorine, bromine, or iodine, in the presence of a base and in the presence of a diluent.
 6. A composition for eliminating or reducing unwanted microorganisms in plants comprising one or more thiazole(bi)cycloalkylcarboxanilides of formula (I) according to claim 1 and one or more extenders and/or surfactants.
 7. A method for eliminating or reducing unwanted microorganisms in plants comprising applying an effective amount of one or more thiazole(bi)cycloalkylcarboxanilides of formula (I) according to claim 1 to the microorganisms and/or their habitat.
 8. A process for preparing a composition for eliminating or reducing unwanted microorganisms in plants comprising mixing one or more thiazole(bi)cycloalkylcarboxanilides of the formula (I) according to claim 1 with one or more extenders and/or surfactants. 